Feeney in Latics link

ATHLETIC have been linked with a move for former Stockport striker Warren Feeney.

The Belfast-born 29-year-old is currently without a club following his release by npower Championship side Cardiff City at the end of last season.

And Feeney, who has 34 Northern Ireland caps to his name, is reportedly wanted by Athletic boss Paul Dickov to boost the club’s forward-line options.

The ex-Edgeley Park favourite is set to make a decision on his future this week, but the path to Boundary Park could be blocked by competition for his signature from League One rivals Charlton Athletic and Carlisle United.

Feeney made 10 appearances for Cardiff last season without scoring, but he did bag two in four games for his country in World Cup qualifying games against Poland and Slovenia.

Meanwhile, Ritchie Jones will pull on an Athletic shirt for the first time in tonight’s home friendly with Burnley (7.30pm kick-off).

The former Manchester United midfielder, who arrived at Boundary Park from Hartlepool, is included in Dickov’s squad for the game along with other first-team men Dale Stephens, Kieran Lee and Pawel Abbott.

Another player set to be involved is goalkeeper Greg Fleming, who didn’t travel to face Barrow on Saturday (report on Page 34) as a result of his partner giving birth to their first child.

A total of eight trialists were used at Holker Street and it will be a similar story tonight as Dickov takes a good look at potential players for next season.

“Everybody knows the situation here and it is the same at most other clubs,” said the Athletic boss.

“There isn’t a lot of money to play with, so I think it is important you get players in and have a look at them.

“We can’t take on everybody and we might take on nobody.

“So we will get them in, take a look and see how they do.

“These first two games are about me and the coaching staff taking a look at everybody. We have had the players for two weeks and I am a believer that you can be the best trainer in the world but when it comes to matchdays, can’t produce it — and vice versa.

“It is important to get a good look at the boys and give them all a chance, as I promised them that.”

Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, are set to bring across a strong squad for the game tonight.

Admission is priced at £10 adults and £5 pensioners, while under-16s can gain free admission in the Detect-All Chaddy End.